what is wrong with my cactus???
what is wrong with my cactus???
How often do you water?
0 J'aimenot very often
1 j'aimeIs it in full sun?
0 J'aimeno
0 J'aimeWell, it is a cactus and cactuses prefer more light so that could be what is causing the problem.
0 J'aimeit gets a good amount of light, i’ve had this cactus for 3 years
1 j'aimeThen it definitely could be pests have you checked?
0 J'aimeOh and I mentioned cacti 😂
0 J'aimeOlder cacti sometimes undergo a process called corking, but I think it usually starts at the bottom and works it’s way up. Stay tuned, I’m sure others will chime in!!
2 J'aimeIf that was my cacti I would get it into full sun asap. They can handle less than full sun but the bigger they get the weaker the body can get. Put it outside in full morning sun for a week then move it to stronger sun if you can. Report back if you can!
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Ok friends, this type of Mammillaria does not need or want to be in full sun. It would be quite damaging. If you have it by a window where it can receive a few hours of sun and/or supplement with a good quality grow light overhead it would be just fine. I don’t know what has caused the damage… could be pest, poor air circulation, over/under watering (but doesn’t look it) or temperature change, but it is not typical corking on an older cactus. This one is quite young. Just look it over for pests. By the photo, your cactus seems ok other than it leaning to one side which is probably from it being stationary. If you wish to correct the lean, a grow light overhead would help along with placing a stake opposite the bend of your cactus but it has to be done gradually being careful to not break spines (try jute twine or plant velcro).
0 J'aimeIs it not a Mammillaria Melanocentra or Spiney Pincusion?
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My goodness, I’m so sorry about this. I should have said, this cactus does not necessarily need to be outside in full sun and not that it doesn’t want it. My thought process before I went to bed was regarding my own experience and conditions with growing cacti indoors.
0 J'aimeI believe know your cacti - you have an impressive collection! I was just wondering since I have a similar one that does MUCH better outside in the sun.
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Thank you so much! I totally agree with you about them doing much better outside. Currently, I have 14 different cacti living outside. Mammillaria are inside because I have found they are able to grow new spines and flower indoors successfully. Please forgive if I get over passionate in my comments. I get a little insane about keeping a controlled climate for “most” of my cacti indoors. I do love and appreciate everyone’s success. 💚
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